Extra police officers are being deployed across the rail network following the knife attack on a train near Huntingdon, with disruption on the line expected to last until the end of Monday.

Government sources have confirmed there will be a “surge” in police presence until at least Tuesday, focusing on major terminals such as London, Birmingham, York, Leeds and Manchester, as well as at Huntingdon.

The police officers are likely to be most visible in London and at Huntingdon, but will be deployed across as much of the rail network as possible.

There will also be a visible police presence on trains on the east coast mainline, with sources saying officers usually focus on stations but it was “important to reassure passengers”.

Senior Reform UK politician Laila Cunningham has torn into the Home Secretary’s request for people to avoid speculating about last night’s Huntingdon train mass stabbing.

Following the attack that has left nine people with life-threatening injuries, Shabana Mahmood said her thoughts “go out to all those affected”.

She added: “I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.”

Ms Cunningham blasted: “I can’t stop thinking about those victims, 10 beautiful lives, families in agony waiting to see if they pull through, I am devastated. We are a nation in mourning.

“And Shabana’s first instinct isn’t fury, urgency or a vow to catch them or make our trains safe. Her priority is to silence us, to manage our reaction not our safety.

LNER, which operates East Coast Mainline services in the UK, has said disruption to its services between London Kings Cross and Lincoln, Doncaster, Leeds, Bradford Forster Square and Harrogate was expected to last until Monday, with passengers advised to defer their travel where possible.

A witness who was on the train has described the moment one of the suspects was tasered by armed police.

They told Sky News one was “waving” a large knife, adding: “Essentially, as they got closer to him, started shouting, like, ‘get down get down’.

“He then was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him.

“I think it was a Taser that got him down in the end.”

Dramatic video footage has shown police tasering and holding down a suspect after a multiple stabbing on a train yesterday. The service was between Doncaster and London Kings Cross.

In the clip, a man wearing all black is wrestled to the ground on the platform at Huntingdon Station. One officer can be heard shouting: “Get him in a f***ing hold!”

Police confirmed this morning that two men – a 32-year-old black British national and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent – have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

British Transport Police (BTP) Superintendent John Loveless said: “Two men were brought into police custody, where they remain this morning.”

In total, 11 people had been treated in hospital and two remained in a “life-threatening condition”, while four had been discharged. Police detailed that 10 people were taken to hospital by ambulance, with another person self-presented later that evening.

The mass stabbing on the LNER train from Doncaster to King’s Cross on 1 November 2025, shortly after leaving Peterborough, left 10 passengers hospitalised, two critically, echoing a pattern of knife attacks seen in recent UK incidents like the Manchester synagogue assault.

A man with a large knife moved through a carriage, prompting passengers to hide in toilets and pull the emergency alarm, stopping the train in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, amid reports of blood on seats and floors.

Witnesses including Olly Foster described the slow-building panic, with one older man injured while shielding a young girl, and another victim collapsing bloodied on the floor as described by passenger Gavin.

British Transport Police arrested two suspects—a 32-year-old black British national and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent—within eight minutes, one tasered after waving a knife at officers.

The response involved ambulances, firefighters, and armed police, with MP Ben Obese-Jecty noting its unprecedented scale, while families like Steve’s fled to nearby homes with children in tow.

As forensics examine the scene, this event underscores persistent public safety issues, though no terrorism link has been established, contrasting with earlier classified attacks like Reading and London Bridge.

A statement carried on LNER’s website said: “If you are due to travel on Sunday 2 November, we recommend checking for the latest updates before you set off.

“We’ll regularly update this page and our social media channels with the latest information and advice. You can also get the latest travel update from our WhatsApp here.

“Our teams are here to help during your journey. Please speak to our station or onboard staff if you need our support.

“If you no longer wish to travel, you are entitled to a full refund of any unused tickets dated up to Friday 7 November from the original point of purchase. For tickets purchased via the LNER website, a refund can be requested via My Account.”

Police have issued a fresh update on a multiple stabbing on a train between Doncaster and London which took place yesterday.

British Transport Police (BTP) Superintendent John Loveless spoke to reporters at Huntingdon Station this morning. He said: “It’s a shocking incident and first and foremost, my thoughts are with the family and friends those who have been affected and those who are injured.

“Approximately 7.42pm yesterday evening, there were calls to the police service in relation to multiple stabbings which took place on board a train service.”

He added that Huntingdon Station remains closed but trains will be passing through.”

The Huntingdon train attack is the latest in a number of high-profile multiple stabbings in the UK, but recent statistics have shown knife crime figures are down with homicides at an historic low.

Just this month, Wayne Broadhurst 49, was stabbed to death as he was walking his dog in Midhurst Gardens in Uxbridge, west London.

Safi Dawood, 22, has been charged with murdering Wayne Broadhurst, as well attempting to murder his landlord Shahzad Farrukh, 45, and a 14-year-old boy.

And on October 2, 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie was shot dead after he launched a knife attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, while wearing what appeared to be a suicide belt.

Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed in the incident, which happened at about 9.30am.

These cases follow the murders of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, in July 2024.

Axel Rudakubana, who was aged 17, murdered Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and injured 10 others in the attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

And in June 2023, 32-year-old Valdo Calocane fatally stabbed students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar as they walked home from a night out in Nottingham before he killed 65-year-old caretaker Ian Coates and attempted to kill three others.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said passengers would see “a high visibility presence” of police at railway stations and on trains on Sunday “to reassure the public”.

She explained: “I am receiving regular updates from the British Transport Police who are leading the response to this awful incident, as well as LNER and other organisations involved.

“Trains are now running in the area, however Huntingdon station remains closed with trains passing through.

“Passengers will see a high visibility presence of officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan, posting on X said: “Grateful to our emergency services for their swift response to the horrific incident on the train in Huntingdon.

“My thoughts are with all those injured and affected.

“I’m in close touch with the Met & transport authorities. Please check before travelling on LNER services today.”

Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA union), said: “This is an appalling attack on passengers and rail workers alike. Our immediate priority is for the welfare of the injured and all those traumatised by what has happened.

“Transport networks must be safe for everyone, both the travelling public and the staff who serve them. We call on the operator and government to act swiftly to review security, to support the affected workers, and to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

“TSSA stands ready to work with rail operators, government, and law enforcement to review current arrangements, support victims, strengthen staff safety, and protect passengers. We will also seek assurances that the rail workforce receives all necessary support, including counselling and time off when needed.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has provided an update after yesterday’s Huntingdon attack.

Posting on X she said: “After last night’s horrific attack, my thoughts today are with the victims, their friends and family.

“My deepest thanks go to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service. They responded rapidly, with the utmost professionalism and saved lives.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train.”

Ms Mahmood added: “We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested.

“The investigation is ongoing, and I am receiving regular updates from the police.”

The Home Secretary’s remarks vary slightly from those of Supt John Loveless, speaking earlier, who said there was “nothing to suggest the incident was terror-related at this stage”.

Kemi Badenoch said there was “clearly something going wrong with our society”, following the stabbings on a train near Huntingdon.

The Conservative leader told the BBC‘s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “I know many people will be asking the same questions that I’m thinking of right now, which is, ‘why is it that despite so much activity, so much done, legislation to ban knives, so much investment in mental health, so much more, we’re seeing more and more violence on our streets?’

“How can we protect ourselves? What is causing this?

“Lots of people will be speculating.

“I think we should wait until more facts emerge, but there’s clearly something going wrong in our society right now, which I believe all politicians of all parties need to have a conversation about.”

She added: “We cannot be a country where people are innocently going about their business and facing this level of violent crime.

“It’s abhorrent, and it’s not something that we used to see before. What is causing it?”

Superintendent John Loveless from British Transport Police said Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire remains closed but trains will be passing through.

He said passengers could expect to see a “high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains throughout today, up and down the transport network.”

He added: “Our officers are there to reassure the public and to address any concerns they may have.”

He thanked the public, who had already “greatly assisted our investigation”, and extended thanks to others working in emergency services, including Cambridgeshire police officers, the East of the East of England Ambulance Service, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and counter-terrorism officers.

“Finally, I’d like to appeal for anyone that’s watching who has information connected to yesterday’s incident, however big or small you feel that may be, that has not yet spoken to police, to make contact,” he added.

He said people could text British Transport Police on 61016 quoting reference 663.

King Charles has released a statement in the wake of the police press conference this morning.

The monarch said:‘My wife and I were truly appalled and shocked to hear of the dreadful knife attack that took place on board a train in Cambridgeshire last night.

“Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected, and their loved ones.We are particularly grateful to the emergency services for their response to this awful incident.’

Four people have been discharged from hospital while two remain in a life-threatening condition, says Supt John Loveless.

The British Transport Police have confirmed their investigators have uncovered no evidence to suggest the incident in Huntingdon last night was a terror-related, said Supt Loveless.

He told reporters: “British Transport Police declared a major incident yesterday, and counter-terrorism policing were initially supporting our investigation.

“However, at this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident.

“It would not be appropriate to speculate about the cause of this incident.

“I’d like to appeal to anyone who has information about yesterday’s incident, however big or small that may be, that has not yet spoken to police, to make contact.”

It is unclear when the two suspects got on the train, with police also not confirming where the pair were from.

Two men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remain in custody after a stabbing on a high-speed train in Cambridgeshire after being arrested by armed police officers.

Supt John Loveless said: “Two men were brought into police custody, where they remain this morning.

“I can tell you that these are: the first male, a 32-year-old male, a black British national and a 35-year-old man, a British national of Caribbean descent, they were both arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“As stated, they remain this morning in separate police stations for questioning.”

Poignant pictures have shown belongings left on the 7.30pm GNER train from Peterborough after last night’s attacks.

Coats and a still-opened laptop are visible through the windows.

Former chief superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, Dal Babu, told Sky News that a “very rehearsed programme” is deployed after a major incident.

Officers would set up a rendezvous point, where all the agencies would travel to the scene, and they would then be called in to the train station.

He added that, once police had detained the two arrested suspects, it would be an “absolute priority” to try and help and support the injured.

The ex-cop then said police would try to get hold of eyewitness accounts, forensic information and CCTV footage as they try to establish exactly what happened.

Policing commentator Graham Wettone told the same broadcaster that officers would work immediately to identify, clear and advise the passengers from the train who were not witnesses to the incident about onward travel.

Posting on X, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson backed party leader Nigel Farage‘s call for more information.

Mr Farage earlier said: “We need to know who committed these awful attacks as soon as possible.”

Mr Anderson said: “Just normal people going about their daily business and now they’re in hospital. Nigel is right.”

Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, has told the police they must disclose what they know for the good of the local community.”I think it’s vital that some information comes out to stop any misinformation and speculation from being spread,” he said”I saw this last night when I put out a tweet saying that I was aware of the incident, I was trying to find out more information.”Hundreds of comments came back speculating as to the nature of the attack, the motive, background of the attacker.”

The Huntingdon train attack happened on the GNER train just minutes after it left Peterborough station at 7.30pm.

A member of the public called dialled 999 12 minutes later.

Shortly after, the train stopped at Huntingdon and two people were arrested.

People who were on a train as ten people were injured in a multiple stabbing, including nine who sustained life-threatening wounds, have spoken of what they saw. The service was travelling between Doncaster and London King’s Cross.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that the force was called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross at at 7.42pm. Officers attended Huntingdon station with paramedics.

Counter terrorism police are working with other investigators to establish exactly what happened. A witness told the BBC that an older man stopped an assailant stabbing a younger girl.

Passengers told Sky News that the stabbing started 10 minutes after the train left Peterborough, and that wounded people were seen running through the train away from somebody with a knife.

A man holding a large knife was later seen on the train platform with armed police pointing their weapons at him, one witness added – saying the man was then tasered and restrained.

A pensioner has reportedly saved a young girl from getting stabbed during yesterday’s incident on a train in Huntingdon.

Witness Olly Foster told the BBC that the old man “blocked” the attacker from getting to a younger girl, leaving him with injuries to his head and neck.

Mr Foster said other passengers used their clothing to try and stem the bleeding in an incident that “felt like forever”.

Mr Foster told the BBC he initially thought it was a Halloween prank when he first heard people shouting “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone“.

When he noticed his hand was “covered in blood” and there was “blood all over the chair” he had leaned on, he quickly realised this was not a prank.

Defence Secretary John Healey, interviewed on Sky News, was asked by Trevor Phillips whether the attack was being investigated as a terrorist incident.

He said: “The early assessment is that this was an isolated incident, an isolated attack. So there’s no reason for the rest of us not to get on with our lives, get on and travel to the places we need to get to.”

He nevertheless stressed that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood would provide regular updates on the situation.

Pictures taken outside Huntingdon station have shown the aftermath of last night’s attack.

One shot seemed to show surgical gloves and other equipment in front of the station.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also offered his sympathy after the attack.

Posting on X, he said: “The attack last night in Huntington was horrific. My thoughts are with all the victims and their families.

“We need to know who committed these awful attacks as soon as possible.”

UK emergency services use the JESIP’s CONTEX framework, with “Plato” code for ideologically motivated marauding attacks causing multiple casualties.

They declare it based on initial intelligence suggesting terrorism—defined under the Terrorism Act 2000 as actions to influence government or intimidate the public for political, religious, or ideological causes—enabling rapid armed deployments and lockdowns.

In the Huntingdon train stabbing, “Plato” was briefly invoked Saturday evening due to the attack’s scale and randomness, triggering counter-terrorism support, but rescinded once no ideological motive emerged.

Police require evidence of intent for formal terrorism classification, a process lasting hours or days to prevent prejudicing probes or public views.

As of Sunday morning, British Transport Police state the Huntingdon investigation is not terrorism-related, prioritising motive clarification with Metropolitan Police aid for complexity only.

Footage has shown forensic officers on the platform of Huntingdon station.

Teams are working at Huntingdon railway station after the mass stabbing on a train on Saturday night.

The station and the car park on the side by the A1307 remains cordoned off.

Another eyewitness, identified only as Gavin, speaking to Sky, said: “So what happened was I was in coach G, and there was quite a few people coming through coach G.

“I heard one say they’ve been stabbed. They were extremely bloodied. That person ended up when we pulled in, they were basically on the floor.

“We couldn’t progress further down the train away from the suspect, because that person ended up collapsing on the floor, so they were taken into an ambulance pretty much straight away.”

Speaking to the Mirror, one eyewitness said: “I was waiting for the 8:10pm train to Kings Cross when I spotted the train on the platform. I spotted someone hanging out the train door bleeding.

“I looked further up the platform and see people running towards me bleeding and panicking. I saw someone in a hoodie running towards us so I shouted for everyone to leave the station immediately, so I got people out the station with me and to a place of safety.”

Another told The Times there was “blood everywhere” and people were getting “stamped” on by others as they tried to flee.

The East Coast Main Line (ECML) is Britain’s premier north-south rail artery, a 393-mile electrified track linking London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley through key stops like Peterborough, York and Newcastle, serving as the backbone for intercity travel since Victorian times.

Operated mainly by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) under a £4 billion government upgrade, it caters to commuters, executives and holidaymakers, with Q1 2025 logging 132 million passenger-kilometres amid a post-pandemic boom that saw UK rail trips hit 451 million in April-June alone – a 3% rise over pre-Covid highs.

Peak evening services, such as the 6:25pm Doncaster-to-London train, often swell with 168,900 daily standees rushing south, bolstered by recent timetable tweaks adding 16,000 seats but still prone to overcrowding.

Nine people are fighting for their lives after a man armed with a large knife went on a rampage aboard a London North Eastern Railway train shortly after it departed Peterborough station on Saturday evening, in an attack that has left a tenth passenger with non-life-threatening injuries.

The violence erupted on the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, forcing passengers to hide in toilets and barricade themselves as blood covered the carriages, with one eyewitness, Olly Foster, telling the BBC he heard cries of “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone” amid the Halloween-themed chaos.

British Transport Police halted the train at Huntingdon station, where armed officers tasered the suspect – described by witness Gavin as waving a “quite a large knife” – and arrested him along with a second man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

A major incident was declared, with the “Plato” protocol for a marauding terrorist attack briefly invoked before being rescinded, and counter-terrorism police now assisting the probe, though Chief Superintendent Chris Casey stressed it was too early to speculate on motives.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the “appalling incident” as “deeply concerning”, while LNER warned of disruptions until Monday and Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty hailed the “incredible” emergency response to the “heinous attack”.

Ms Chambers continued: “I was one of the first people, me and my friend, to actually get out the station.

“But as soon as the train stopped, people got off. Most of them just ran outside trying to get away from it, because we knew the attacker was still highly likely to be on the train somewhere down the line.”

Speaking to the BBC, eyewitness Wren Chambers described the chaotic scenes on the train as the attack took place.

She said: “Initially, I had some screaming and shouting going for at least a carriage or two down. And then I made eye contact another passenger that was there with me, and it was clear that something was going on, we didn’t quite know what.

“And then a minute or so later, a man was running down with a very clear wound bleeding quite badly on his arm.

“There was shouting that someone’s got a knife. He was stabbed. And then few more people come running down the train. And then I grabbed my bag, my coat, and then I got up and moved forward down the train after them.”

People then moved down the train towards the front huddling in coaches B and C, she said.

Ms Chamber continued: “I saw someone who was very badly injured, very lots of blood around them.

“They were either collapsed or like they were about to fall over.”

British Transport Police Chief Superintendent Chris Casey has confirmed urgent enquiries are underway.

He said: “This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families.

“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.

“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.

“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening which has already greatly assisted our policing response. We will update you again as soon as we have more information.”

Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.

Ten people have been taken to hospital, and nine are believed to have life-threatening injuries.

British Transport Police confirmed there have been no fatalities.

Police have declared the situation a “major incident” and say counter terrorism police are supporting the investigation.

Shortly before 7.45pm last night, the BTP were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service.

Armed officers from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people in connection with the incident.

They have been taken into police custody.

Speaking to the BBC London Underground worker Dean McFarlane said he saw the train pull in with a passenger onboard bleeding at around 8pm.

Mr McFarlane told the channel he saw multiple people start running down the platform bleeding, with one man in a white shirt “completely covered in blood”.

He said he grabbed people and told them to leave the station, and tried to assist passengers who were having panic attacks

Search dogs have been photographed at the station as the emergency response continues in the wake of a horror stabbing attack on passengers on a train in Huntingdon tonight.

Photographs show police liaising with forensic teams and officers and rail staff on the tracks around the train which has now become a crime scene.

Former chief superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, Dal Babu, told Sky News that the police will have a “very rehearsed programme”, and described what would happen at a major incident.

He said: “They would set up an RVP (rendezvous point) where all the agencies would travel to this site, and they would then be called in to the train station.

“Effectively, you’ve got a crime scene on the train and on the platform area.”

He said once police have detained the two suspects and taken them away, it would be an “absolute priority” to try and help and support people who have been stabbed.

They would try to get eyewitness accounts, forensic information and CCTV evidence to review.

Eyewitness accounts are coming in after tonight’s horrific attack.

Passenger Wren Chambers told the BBC he realised something was wrong when a man sprinted through his carriage, clutching his injured arm and shouting, “they’ve got a knife, run”.

Highly trained armed response officers could still be seen at the station tonight prowling the train platform in the wake of a horror attack on passengers earlier tonight.

Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty said Cambridgeshire Police headquarters was close by to the station as he described the massive response from the force as “simply staggering”

The attack has been designated a ‘Code Plato’ incident by senior officers, the name given to a multi-agency response to a marauding terrorist attack, reports The Mail.

The code word was used in the wake of the Manchester synagogue stabbing.

– Reports suggest up to 12 people have been injured

– Two people have been arrested

– Witnesses said a man “waving a large knife” was tasered by armed police

– The train involved was the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London Kings Cross

– Keir Starmer has condemned the “appalling incident” as “deeply concerning”

– Kemi Badenoch said she is “deeply disturbed” by the “horrific attack”

– Reports suggest up to 30 response vehicles were deployed to Huntingdon, and the ambulance service confirmed air ambulances were sent to the scene

Police and emergency services remain at Huntingdon station in force tonight as teams scour the scene for clues following the nightmare attack on passengers tonight.

Coaches were also seen at the location arriving to ferry passengers and train crew to their destinations.

If you know or saw anything relating to the shocking stabbing incident in Huntingdon tonight you can get in touch with the Express team via news.desk@express.co.uk

And if you have images or video you want to share with us you have taken from the scene, please contact us on the email address above.

British Transport Police has confirmed the train involved was the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.

It added that “a full update will follow shortly”.

Ben Obese-Jecty, the Tory MP for Huntingdon, told Sky News the response of the emergency services was “simply staggering” in its magnitude.

Mr Obese-Jecty said officers were “able to neutralise the threat” and two people were arrested.

He added: “So, very reassuring to see such a quick and effective response from the emergency services.

“When I first arrived here, I have simply never seen as big a response to an emergency incident as there were in terms of police, fire and ambulance.

He continued: “I think the swiftness of the response, the number of police officers who were on the scene when I arrived, was simply staggering.

“Huntington station is actually very near to Cambridgeshire Police headquarters.

“So you couldn’t have asked for a shorter distance for that response to occur. So very reassuring. But at the same time, terrifying that this incident has occurred in this area.”

Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell has released a statement following the attack this evening.

Her post on X reads: “My thoughts are with all those involved in this horrific attack, and with their anxious family and friends waiting for news. Awful.”

Torch lights could be seen from workers checking in and around the train after the horror incident tonight in Huntingdon. Armed officers were also pictured at the station as the emergency services debrief and come to comprehend what has unfolded.

Photographs show medical paraphernalia and equipment strewn across the train station and platform in Huntingdon where emergency services could have been treating the injured from tonight’s shocking incident.

Other photos show police searching around the front of the train as the operation to secure the site was underway.

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said on X: “I am aware of an incident involving one of our trains. Our immediate concern is for the welfare of our customers and crew who are on board. My thoughts are with the victims.

“We are in the process of gathering all the details we can. Further updates will follow as soon as we have more information.

“Thank you to the emergency services and railway colleagues who are responding to this incident.”

A witness told Sky News of scenes aboard the train, and of a person “waving a knife”.

His full statement reads: “What happened was I was in coach G, and there was quite a few people coming through coach G, andone of the people that were coming through… I heard them say..’I’ve been stabbed’…

“So they were making their way through the carriage to get away from the incident, from the suspect.

“They were extremely bloodied. That person ended up when we pulled in, they were basically on the floor.

“We couldn’t progress further down the train away from the suspect, because that person ended up collapsing on the floor.”

“We were ushered out of the station on the platform, and there was multiple people that had been stabbed that were making their way down, but the suspect had also come off the train as well.

“So while we were being told to come out of the station, the suspect was obviously running around them as well, and I don’t know the reason. No one knows the reason why.”

He added: “The armed police were pointing to the suspect as we come off the train, I asked what that suspect looked like. They said, it’s a Black male in all black, so a black hoody.

“And then at the back of the station, walking calmly as the police were coming through, the armed police, I said, I think that’s the guy.

“And essentially, as they got closer to him, they started shouting, to get down, get down. He then was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him.

“I think it a taser that got him down in the end, but I only saw one person at that point.

“I did not see anyone get stabbed, but there was a lot of people being moved away from being treated for injuries and coming away with colleagues.

“I’d say probably maybe 12 people.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said more than 30 officers were initially called to Huntingdon station.

Images from the scene show scores of ambulance and police at the location along with several people covered in foil blankets who may have been passengers on the train.

A train passenger told Sky News he saw armed police shouting ‘get down, get down’ at a man in all-black clothing, waving a large knife.

He said he was alerted by a fellow passenger about the attacker onboard.

The witness said he saw one person covered in blood and “basically on the floor” before being taken into an ambulance.

He said he believed the suspect was tasered by police.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson has confirmed to The Express that they received a call at 7.38pm to reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.

They confirmed any further updates will be issued by British Transport Police.

A statement on X around 30 minutes ago said: “The incident remains ongoing and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town centre.

“Officers are working with British Transport Police who are leading on the incident, and anyone with any information is urged to report this to us online: https://cambs.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ quoting incident 495.”

One eye witness described the scene on the train as “horrific” and “pure chaos” onboard.

They told the Sun: “There was blood everywhere, it was a terrible scene, really violent. It was like something from a film.

“It didn’t feel real and just sparked pure panic onboard. Shocked onlookers were shaken and traumatised.

“There’s a heavy police presence on the scene at the moment. All the passengers are stuck at Huntingdon.”

There are also reports that passengers inside the train toilets to escape the attackers.

Another witness told Sky News they saw a victim moving through the carriage saying: “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed.”

The bystander, named only as Gavin, said the suspect “doubled back and attacked anyone they could”.

Posting on X, one person affected by the rail disruption tonight paid tribue to rail staff.

Ian Pegg wrote: “So I now know what’s happened. It’s a very serious incident on a train at Huntingdon. Massive big thanks to LNER staff on the 20:03 out of London to Leeds. Mick the train manager and his staff are doing a great job in very difficult circumstances.”

Posting on X, Express reporter Christian Calgie wrote: “Mate on an east coast mainline train trying to get home tells me they’ve just been informed by a guard that 10 people have been stabbed, and a staff member is in a very bad way

“We await official details.”

The ambulance service has confirmed multiple people have been taken to hospital.

Hinchingbrooke Hospital is the closest to the small market town.

Peterborough City Hospital is around 30-40 minutes away.

Addenbrooke’s Hospital is located in Cambridge, an hour away from Huntington.

Writing on X tonight, Reform MP Lee Anderson posted “prayers for the victims” alongside a praying emoji.

Photos and videos on social media show police and ambulance crews with stretchers at the scene of the incident at Huntingdon station at around 7.39pm tonight (Saturday).

Deputy Leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, says he is “deeply concerned as reports emerge of horrific incident at Huntingdon”.

He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and our thanks go to the emergency response teams.”

East of England Ambulance Service received a call at 7.39pm alerting them to the incident, it has been reported.

“Mutiple people” have been transported to hospital, the East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed.

A spokesperson says numerous ambulances, tactical commanders and its Hazardous Area Response Team were at the scene in a “large-scale response”.

Air ambulances from the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance also attended.

“We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to hospital.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that it “seems to be a brutal mass attack”.

“My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding

“The police and government should provide an update on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible.”

In an update on the website the train operator said:

“The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Stevenage and Peterborough. To allow them to carry our their work all lines are closed. Trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or revised

Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Hull Trains customer advice:

Rail replacement has been requested to run. Please speak to station staff / onboard staff and see station information posters for the location of rail replacement pick up points and be advised that journey times may be extended by 90 minutes whilst travelling by rail replacement transport. If you have a train ticket dated for today (01/11/25) you will be able to use your existing ticket on another Hservice tomorrow (02/11/25). The route is expected to be open as normal tomorrow. You dont need to buy a new ticket or change your existing ticket to travel tomorrow.

LNER customer advice:

Customers are advised NOT TO TRAVEL.

If you have a ticket dated today, Saturday 1 November you may defer travel until Monday 3 November. Please make a new seat reservation for your newly intended journey.

You can use your ticket on the following train companies at no extra cost:

Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly

CrossCountry between Sheffield / Doncaster / Leeds / York and Newcastle / Edinburgh

East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Leicester / Sheffield

Greater Anglia between London Liverpool Street and Stevenage / Peterborough

Great Northern and Thameslink between London Kings Cross and Stevenage / Peterborough

Northern between Carlisle and Newcastle

ScotRail between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh

TransPennine Express between Manchester / Leeds and York / Newcastle

Other operators services are also likely to be busy and as it is late in the evening services will be limtied.

Please see the alternative route map for more details.

If you’re unable to make it home this evening due to ‘Do Not Travel’ advice please either book yourself a hotel and claim back the cost of your stay to customers@lner.co.uk. Please include a copy of your train tickets and your hotel receipt. Alternatively you can claim back the cost of a taxi to complete your journey.

If you are on board an LNER service affected by this disruption, your train manager will keep you updated with information about the incident and the impact on your journey today. If you need any urgent help onward travel connections / flights, medical needs etc. please speak to a member of the on train team or call the customer services team on 03457 225 333.

If you are currently waiting at your home station, LNER advise you not to travel by train today. Please defer your travel to an alternative dates.

Thameslink customer advice:

Thameslink trains which usually run between Horsham and Peterborough have been suspended in both directions and will not run until further notice.

North of London

At this time, there will be no service to / from the below stations:

Arlesey

Biggleswade

Sandy

St Neots

Huntingdon

Peterborough

If you are travelling from any of the above listed stations at this time, please speak to station staff, or from unstaffed stations, press the green emergency button on the station help point.

If you are travelling towards these stations from the direction of London / Stevenage, please alight at Hitchin, speak to station staff and additional transport information will be provided.

Please note that this could add an additional 45 minutes onto your journey time depending on your destination.

South of London

Similairly, there will be a reduced service between Horsham and Three Bridges. The below stations will have no Thameslink service in either direction and you may need to use an alternative route.

Horsham

Littlehaven

Faygate

Ifield

Crawley

Southern will still stop at this service.

Incase you need to use an alternative route of travel, your ticket will be accepted on the below services at no additional cost;

Great Northern and Thameslink services via any reasonable route

Southern services via any reasonable route

Metrobus services on the below routes:

2 for Ifield and Crawley

3 for Crawley, Three Bridges, and Gatwick Airport

23 for Worthing, Horsham, Faygate and Crawley

200 for Horsham, Littlehaven, Faygate, Ifield, and Gatwick Airport

100 for Crawley, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, Horley, Salfords, Earlswood (Surrey) and Redhill

Please note – LNER will not have any trains running between London Kings Cross and Peterborough for the remainder of the day.

If you’re waiting on a train which is delayed between stations:

If your train is delayed between stations, please stay on board and listen for updates. You can also ask staff if you need more information. Thameslink know where you are and are working to get you moving as soon as possible.

For your safety, please dont leave the train unless instructed. Other trains may still be running, and the tracks can be very dangerous.

Planning your journey:

You can view a live map of the network. This will show where your journey is likely to be affected.

You can also use the app to find up-to-date information.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

The police are currently dealing with a security alert, which means that Thameslink can’t serve these station.

If you are already making a journey to this station, please listen to advice from railway staff and the emergency services, pay attention to announcements and check station screens.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.

In a statement on Facebook, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “We were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.

“Armed officers attended and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested. A number of people have been taken to hospital.

“The incident remains ongoing and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town centre.”

British Transport Police said on X: “We are currently responding to an incident on a train to Huntingdon where multiple people have been stabbed.

“Officers are in attendance alongside CambsCops and two people have been arrested.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the attacks and said she is being regularly updated.

A statement released on X says: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the stabbings in Huntingdon.

“My thoughts go out to all those affected. Two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody.

“I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has just responded to the news.

Her statement reads: “Deeply disturbed by the reports emerging from Huntingdon.

“This is an absolutely horrific attack and my thoughts are with all those affected including the emergency responders at the scene.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the “appalling incident” in a statement on X.

It reads: “The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.

“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.

“Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.”

RMT has released a statement following the reports of multiple stabbings tonight in Huntingdon.

General secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “I am deeply concerned to hear reports of multiple people stabbed onboard an LNER train tonight.

“The thoughts of everyone at RMT are with the victims, train crew and all the emergency services dealing with this unfolding incident.”

Police have confirmed multiple people have been stabbed on a train to Huntingdon.

Emergency services are responding to the incident between Stevenage and Peterborough.

Pictures shared online, which have not been verified by The Express, show multiple flashing emergency response vehicles at the scene.

Good evening. We will be running a live blog to keep you updated tonight.